Cartoons and Comics

Watch out because the COMIC TOONS 

are HERE!!!!!

Every wondered how comic strips are made.  Have you ever laughed so hard or had an awe...moment while reading a comic strip.  

Well, now is your chance!  Challenge yourself to create a comic strip of your own.  Speaking from personal experience, they are very neat and beneficial to learn how to do.

I have taken the challenge.....now check out what I have discovered. 

First Up.....MakeBeliefsComix

MakeBeliefsComix: http://www.makebeliefscomix.com 

As my first comic strip, I initially found it difficult to come up with a conversation.  However, after beginning my search and discovering the multiple features available, the clipart soon ignited my ideas.  Even though MakeBeliefsComix was very basic, it was extremely efficient.  Right away I was prompted to create my toon and best of all, it was FREE!  There was no signing up.  Most applications and sites require a login, but not this one.  As I proceeded to create my comic strip, I realized there were not a lot of choices to play around with.  In general, the available options for each category were minimal.  Even so, in opinion, it doesn't matter how much or little a site may offer, what matters is the creativity of the mind!!!  Overall, it was extremely easy to follow and navigate.  As I was done, saving was simply a click away.  Instantly, I had my comic strip image and it was ready to upload as desired.  As a starting tool, students can easily learn about comic toons by using MakeBeliefsComix.  

Moving on to comic strip #2! 

I hope you have enjoyed my introduction to comic strip #2 ToonDoo: http://www.toondoo.com.  ToonDoo requires an initial sign up, but don't let this impede you from exploring further....IT'S ALSO FREE!   A quick set up and you are ready to go.  This site offers lots of options.  From the starting layout, to the multiple backgrounds and images, ToonDoo quickly became a knockout.  On a quick note, I must warn you, it takes a few extra minutes because it is continuously uploading as you progressing through the site and your toon creation.  Once again, don't let this stop you...it is still worth your time.  After creating my toon, the only problem I encountered was finding out how to save it.  Not to worry, I have the solution: You must go back to the homepage, click on Toons, click on my ToonDoos and once you see your comic strip, you download it to your computer.  Not too bad, you just need to play with it.  Overall, it is an excellent site to create comic toons and simple to follow for students.

Last, but not least, comic strip #3!

Pixton: https://www.pixton.com, was a bit more tedious to begin.  I initially created an account, which I was then then prompted to verify my account through the email provided.  Once I verified my account, it specified that the site needed further information about myself, even though I answered all the necessary questions, in order to complete the registration process.  After long exploration and contemplating what to do, I decided to give it a try and login.  I was accepted and allowed to proceed.  At this point, I was already confused.  After exploring the site, I realized it had numerous options to choose from.  However, it seemed more geared towards older students, such as middle school or preferably high school.   First of all, you're asked for the layout, followed by the setting.  There is also an option for beginner or advanced comic strip toon.  As I continued to the characters in my setting, I was disappointed to find out they were limited.  Each setting provided you with only their selection for characters, which deviates from creativity.  Once I was done, and about to click save, I was left with disappointment. I would only be allowed to save the image if I purchased the program.  Therefore, (quick tip) take a screen shot of the desktop and then crop accordingly.  Overall, this site was not as I had hoped for. 

In conclusion, comic strips can serve as multiple purposes: to promote creativity, retell important events and literary elements for reading, explain relevant concepts across multiple subject areas and more importantly, develop technological skills.  Of course, these are only a few examples of why every teacher should incorporate comic strips in the classroom.  As for me, I choose MakeBeliefsComix and possibly ToonDoo.  As as a 4th grade teacher, my choice is geared towards the option that will produce success and confidence in my students.  So which one will you choose.......????